Diane, Author at Bathroom Review

Set to impress in Shropshire with Schlüter-Systems

September 19, 2023

Tucked away in a beautiful town in Shropshire, overlooking the River Severn, sits a newly built three-story residential property. The home consists of several impressive features, including a cinema room, the open plan kitchen with its feature island which sits at approximately 6m long, and a home spa.

Each of the five bedrooms benefit from large open plan ensuite bathrooms, with individual designs and colour schemes giving them their unique look. A total of seven bathrooms have been installed, including a swimming pool changing area.

A range of Schlüter products have been used, not just in the bathrooms, but throughout the home, from tile edge protecting trims, to shower drainage and waterproofing.

A shower with a glass doorDescription automatically generated

To provide simple level access in the bathrooms, Schlüter’s KERDI-LINE-G3 linear drain has been used. The drain has a low height build-up of just 78mm, making it the ideal solution where there are more restrictive height requirements. The chosen channel cover for the KERDI-LINE-G3 drains were KERDI-LINE-D-G3, a frameless cover which allows for the tile to be integrated into the shower drain, making it a seamless and near invisible and enhancing the aesthetic appeal.

To complement the use of Schlüter’s linear drains, the preformed shower tray, KERDI-SHOWER-LTS creates the necessary shower fall. Combined, the KERDI-LINE-G3 and KERDI-SHOWER-LTS are the ideal pairing for creating a shower that has a flush transition between the shower area and rest of the bathroom. They are specifically designed to work together to create simplified shower drainage and meet high performance requirements.

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Focusing on the importance of using the right products for a lasting installation of the shower areas, the KERDI range provides the necessary waterproofing to give the carefully chosen tiles a solid foundation for the years to come.

What has been a real focal point for this project, is the way several of Schlüter’s tile profiles (also known as trims) have been incorporated. In total, a combination of four different types of trim have been used, in a variety of finishes, each providing a different aesthetic that compliments the tile and overall design of the room.

Tile edge protection trims in the form of FINEC and JOLLY create a beautiful contrast to the chosen tile, whilst protecting the edges from chipping and cracks to increase the longevity whilst maintaining a beautiful appearance.

The tiling contractor for this build has exceeded the owner’s expectations with his work. Intricate details such as the use of a three-way corner point, where Schlüter-FINEC was used have really impressed the homeowners, who commented on how much they admired the appearance of this intricate detail.

VINPRO has also been used as a transition profile between differing floor coverings. The use of this type of profile being especially important where there may be floor coverings of different heights or materials. Whilst the use of Schlüter-TREP on the stairs in the spa area, and to the outside of the property, creates safe and visibly contrasted edge protection.

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Attention to detail has been a key aspect of this build throughout, and both the homeowners were keen to ensure the products used were going to match their exact requirements, both functionally and aesthetically.

First reaching out to Paul Jackson, the local Area Specification Consultant, for advice on tile trim back in May 2022 and since then, exploring other products that could be incorporated.

The homeowner comments of Paul’s ongoing support and advice: “We love your product and you’ve been very helpful from the beginning. There was nothing you couldn’t do for us”.

It was apparent that ensuring the best possible result for the protection and longevity of the tile installations was a key focus for the homeowners, who were making this dream home one they could live in for a long time.

For further information, call 01530 813396 or visit https://www.schluter.co.uk/

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Kaldewei & Bethan Laura Wood reveal Avocado Dreams

September 19, 2023

Avocado Dreams is a unique collaboration between Kaldewei and BethanLaura Wood and sees a new look for four iconic Kaldewei designs. The Meisterstück Oyo Duo bathtub, the Meisterstück Centro Duo Oval, the Superplan Zero shower surface and the Miena washbasin bowl, all now make up the Bethan Laura Wood Avocado Dreams collection.

This outstanding product line features three almost psychedelic-looking patterns and colour variations: “Avocado Swirl” (green tones), “Avocado Sea” (blue/purple tones) and the expressive colour mix “Avocado Disco”.

The Oyo Duo freestanding double-walled bathtub (pictured below) is made of 100 percent recyclable and therefore sustainable steel enamel. Its precise shaping is only made possible by the highest German engineering skills. Wood’s “Avocado Disco” design for the Oyo Duo quite literally allows you to dive into other spheres.

In addition, the Meisterstück Centro Duo Oval freestanding bathtub with its “Avocado Swirl” colour swirl guarantees more than 15 minutes of fame. Kaldewei’s earlier collaboration with the design icon Ettore Sottsass resulted in the classic, linear form of the Meisterstück which particularly impressed the British artist.

Bethan Laura Wood has designed further eye-catching creations for the bathroom with the Miena washbasin bowls (picture below). The single-walled washbasins combine purist design with a unique, almost filigree touch, and their soft contours add an extraordinary air of lightness.

Avocado Dreams Miena Kaldewei Bethan Wood

The fourth design object in the Wood collection is the Superplan Zero floor-level shower surface. The enamelled shower surface is designed to be installed flush with the floor. Characterised by its elegant and precise lines, it can be walked on from three sides without a threshold – as in the “Avocado Sea” interpretation by Bethan Laura Wood, which promises an even more exhilarating showering experience.

Bethan Wood Avocada Dreams Superplan Kaldwei

These Kaldewei products are plastic-free and made of 100 percent recyclable steel enamel. Giving each an elegant, gleaming surface, plus an exceptionally long service life. As such the products in the Bethan Laura Wood collection fit perfectly into Kaldewei’s Luxstainability® world.

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BiKBBI launches new website with stakeholders in mind

September 19, 2023

The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI) has today launched its new website which includes the introduction of new functionality and a new look and feel for the brand, creating an improved user journey to ensure that the government-sanctioned organisation continues to serve its key stakeholders efficiently and effectively.

The improved functionality and content within the new BiKBBI website has been developed with the institute’s key stakeholder groups in mind, and in particular, there has been a focus on accessibility, ensuring that all areas of the sector, alongside consumer audiences, can use the site as the ‘go to’ destination for KBB installation, providing information, guidance, and support in a clear, concise and user-friendly manner.

The launch of the new site follows an extensive consultation with BiKBBI’s register of installation businesses. Considerations on the information that installation businesses need and how best to support those with accessibility challenges such as learning difficulties were all factored into the review. A recent mental health study by On The Tools reported that 52% of UK tradespeople surveyed considered themselves to have a neurodiverse condition including ADHD/ADD, dyslexia and OCD/OCPD.

The new BiKBBI website acknowledges the challenge that digital and written communication can present and therefore includes the introduction of accessibility software Userway, which allows users to customise their journey on the site, with the ability to enlarge text, alter spacing, change colours and remove imagery.

Other stakeholder groups consulted include the KBB retailer sector and consumers, with the new platform prioritising the information most important to these groups, delivered in format that is sympathetic to their preferred functionality. The introduction of a Library section, which will become home to extensive information, guides and reports for all stakeholders over the coming weeks and months, is just one example of the many improvements across the site.

BiKBBI’s Director of Marketing & Communications, Michelle Daniels, commented ‘The BiKBBI website is an important tool in our digital marketing portfolio. Our website is typically the first port of call for all stakeholders, including installation businesses looking for information on registration, training and apprenticeships, retailers and manufacturers exploring how they can work with us and, of course, consumers looking for information and guidance on KBB installation including finding a professional installer. We have worked with our stakeholders to ensure that our new website meets the needs of all target groups in a streamlined, focused, and intuitive format. We are very excited to launch the new platform and will continue to work on evolving the platform to ensure we continue to serve our stakeholders and the KBB industry.’

SEE: www.bikbbi.org.uk

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Villeroy & Boch takes over Ideal Standard

September 18, 2023

Bathroom brand Villeroy & Boch AG has signed to acquire Ideal Standard Group from Anchorage Capital Group and CVC Credit, with the transaction expected to be completed in early 2024.

The acquisition price is based on a company valuation of approximately €600 million, and Villeroy & Boch is financing the transaction with its own liquid funds and by borrowing € 250 million. The merged company will now become one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of bathroom products.

The revenue of the Villeroy & Boch Bathroom & Wellness Division will double to € 1.4 billion due to the merger. Including the Dining & Lifestyle business, this represents an increase of over 1.7 billion euros (around € 995 million in the 2022 financial year) for the Group as a whole.

According to Villeroy & Boch the merger will create a powerful combination of brand and sales strategies. Villeroy & Boch has a strong geographical basis in Central and Northern Europe and Asia, while Ideal Standard’s brand portfolio extends to the UK, Italy and the Middle East / North Africa region.

“This merger means that we will now catch up with the largest players on the European market in the bathroom sector in terms of turnover,” explains Frank Göring, CEO of Villeroy & Boch. Our complementary strengths also make us more competitive and significantly improve our starting position for achieving additional growth.”

While Villeroy & Boch’s sales strategy focuses primarily on a high-end private customer base, Ideal Standard possesses particular expertise in the project business, including for the public sector, the healthcare sector and for developers of large residential, hotel and commercial properties.

In addition, with a broad range of ceramic bathroom ware and other products, Ideal Standard has an established fittings business, which generated over a third of its revenue last financial year.

Jan Peter Tewes, Ideal Standard CEO, said: “Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard complement each other, in terms of products but also in terms of brands, and will gain mutual benefit from their different sales channels. Both companies will play a key role in charting the future course of the industry. We look forward to this development!”

Frank Göring points to the cultural similarities between Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard: “We are characterised by strong brands steeped in tradition and share similar values. These include a pronounced service orientation, a flair for good design and a constant striving for innovation.

“We are delighted that the employees of Ideal Standard will become part of our global organisation after the closing of the transaction. Our clients will benefit from this combined expertise and an expanded offering.”

“The bathrooms sector remains a fast-moving global growth market, but it is a market in which scale effects will be increasingly important to remaining competitive and attracting future investment.

Chairman of the supervisory board at Villeroy & Boch Andreas Schmid added: “The bathrooms sector remains a fast-moving global growth market, but it is a market in which scale effects will be increasingly important to remaining competitive and attracting future investment.

“For this reason alone, the acquisition represents the right strategic step for Villeroy & Boch. In addition, Ideal Standard is an excellent extension to our own business model.

“ This heralds a new era for the Bathroom & Wellness Division and for Villeroy & Boch as a whole,”

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Showers take the spotlight Houzz Bathroom Trends Study finds

September 14, 2023

Houzz Inc., a leading platform for home renovation and design, today released the 2023 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study. The survey of more than 400 respondents* found that almost three-quarters of homeowners upgraded their shower (74%), with more than two-thirds increasing their shower size during renovations (68%).

Size increases were substantial, as almost a third enlarged the shower by over half the original size (32%). In addition, 20% of renovating homeowners chose to remove their baths, with more than four in five using that space for a larger shower (82%).

The most common types of shower configurations include shower/bath combinations (29%), followed closely by low curb and corner designs (28% and 24%, respectively). When it comes to shower features, rain/waterfall showerheads are the most popular (78%), with handheld showerheads and thermostatic mixers following (71% and 59%, respectively). Some homeowners also add features common to ageing-in-place like seats and grab bars (9% and 8%, respectively), while others opt for digital shower controls (6%).

“With major changes such as removing a bath and enlarging a shower, homeowners renovating their bathrooms are enlisting home professionals to bring bathrooms up to date and help carve out more useable space,” said Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “Bathrooms have always been a top room to renovate, and we’re seeing that homeowners driven both by aesthetic desires and functional necessities are doubling down on their investment in these private sanctuaries.”

The median spend for bathroom projects increased by 31% to £5,250 in 2022** as homeowners made significant changes to their bathrooms. Major upgrades include replacing plumbing, electrical or heating systems (73%), changing the layout of the bathroom (62%), reframing or moving walls (33%) and increasing the size of the bathroom (21%). Given these substantial updates, more than four in five homeowners hired a professional to help with their bathroom project (88%), with generalist tradespeople the most popular (66%), followed by specialist bathroom fitters and designers (46% and 28%, respectively).

Additional insights from the 2023 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study include:

– Light and bright: White continues to be the top choice in bathrooms, with more than half of renovating homeowners choosing white worktops (57%) and more than a third opting for white walls both outside and inside of the shower (38% and 34%, respectively). That said, one in 10 are turning to green and blue as accent colours in their bathrooms (10% each).

– Vanity design: Of the almost three in five renovating homeowners who upgrade their vanity (59%), the majority choose to go with pre-manufactured and pre-assembled stock vanity units (60%). Floating designs are the most popular (45%), followed by built-in and freestanding units (32% and 21%, respectively). Flat panel door styles dominate (57%), followed by shaker (20%). Glass-front doors command a small yet important share (4%).

– Techy toilets: More than four in five homeowners upgraded their toilet during renovations (84%) and top features include bidet functionality and automatic or hands-free flushing (28% and 27%, respectively). A quarter of renovating homeowners opt for motion-activated seats, overflow protection anti-clog systems and built-in nightlights (25% each).

– Mirror mirror on the wall: Almost three-quarters of renovating homeowners installed new mirrors in their bathroom (72%), with 14% adding two or more. For these new mirrors, homeowners are choosing designs that feature LED lighting, anti-fog systems and hidden plugs (77%, 72% and 32%, respectively).

– Plant power: Three in five renovating homeowners include plants in their updated bathrooms(62%). For the majority, this is driven by a desire to enhance the aesthetics of the room (91%) and many feel it contributes to a calm environment (60%). Practical benefits are also noted among renovating homeowners, including air purification, antibacterial attributes and odour-fighting abilities (38%, 8% and 5%, respectively).

More than 65 million homeowners and home design enthusiasts use Houzz to find ideas and inspiration, hire professionals and source products. Houzz Pro provides home industry professionals with an all-in-one business management and marketing software that helps them to win projects, collaborate with clients and teams, and run their businesses efficiently and profitably. Houzz has more than 25 million photos of professionally designed interiors and exteriors, including completed bathroom projects, and over 3 million home renovation and design professionals, including kitchen and bath designers, kitchen and bath fitters, architects, and home builders.

* The 2023 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study is a report of homeowners who are in the midst of, are planning or recently completed a bathroom renovation. The online survey was fielded to Houzz UK users in November – December 2022. n=419.

** Spend data from the Houzz & Home Survey, sent to registered users of Houzz UK and fielded December 2022 – March 2023. n=2,549

You can download the full 2023 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study here.

Image – Amy Stoddart Studio Ltd _ Chris Snook Photography

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Bardelli Group releases first AI-generated design – The Clayborn floor

September 12, 2023

Italian-based Bardelli Group, parent company to Ceramica Bardelli and Ceramica Vogue e Appiani, has partnered with Digital Design, to develop a digital image generative surface printing system that utilises Artificial Intelligence to generate a brand new material.

The result is Clayborn, a new floor collection, inspired by the unusual partnership between Bardelli Group and Clayborn whisky. Combining tradition with innovation, the flooring takes inspiration from the primary materials present in Westerwalt caves used to filter clayey water. It is from the same clay that Ceramica Bardelli has been able to obtain its new Clayborn collection by linking mining tradition with AI to generate an infinite texture that combines the graphics of stones, cement and terracotta.

The new product has been designed in porcelain stoneware, characterized by a three-dimensional surface that guarantees non-slip properties. The Clayborn floor is available in a double format, 60×60 cm e 60×120 cm.

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Dulux unveils Sweet Embrace as Colour of the Year 2024

September 12, 2023

Dulux has announced its Colour of the Year for 2024, Sweet Embrace^TM. The colour is a delicate, optimistic and modern tone that is understated and comforting and brings a sense of stability and softness to a space. To complement Sweet Embrace^TM, Dulux is also launching three versatile colour palettes to provide architects, specifiers and designers with a wealth of colour inspiration when creating beautiful spaces in any sector.

For 21 years, the Dulux Colour of the Year has been decided based on extensive trends research conducted by Dulux colour experts and international design professionals. Dulux’s Colour of the Year for 2024 reflects people’s need for simplicity, meaning and a sense of belonging, whatever the environment. Sweet Embrace™ – named by Dulux for its delicate, welcoming and soothing qualities – can be used by architects and specifiers for projects across all sectors.

In addition to Sweet Embrace^TM, architects, specifiers and designers can also draw inspiration from the three supporting Dulux Colour Futures^TM palettes:

A Warm palette for comforting spaces – these global earth tones help create spaces that feel familiar and embracing. They are ideal for layering to create a comforting backdrop, and work well in the residential or hospitality sectors where people want to come together and relax.
A Calm palette for quiet spaces – fluid greens and blues have a naturally clarifying effect and bring a feeling of serenity. They are perfect for offices, where people need peace for focused tasks. These tones can also be used in healthcare settings to help patients, visitors and staff feel at ease.
An Uplifting palette to create friendly spaces – a mix of modern yellows with soft lilacs, this palette has a positive, uplifting mood. The colours can enliven a scheme and bring energy – perfect for education and hospitality spaces where people need a friendly, creative and inclusive feel.

Dawn Scott, Dulux trade senior colour designer, said: “The Colour of the Year 2024 and its accompanying palettes can be used to evoke a wide range of emotions for building occupants and are suitable for use across a wide range of sectors. Whether you are looking for bright colours to inspire the younger generation at school or help those living with dementia maintain their independence by making critical surfaces more visible with saturated, deeper tones, Sweet Embrace^TMand the Warm, Calm and Uplifting palettes are the ideal solution.”

Marianne Shillingford, colour expert and creative director at Dulux, explains: “What is so wonderful about Sweet Embrace™ is its soothing subtlety. While being a beautiful standalone colour, it’s a hue that matches perfectly with so many other shades so it can be used as a backdrop to build a totally individual space upon. A shade as versatile as Sweet Embrace™ encourages us to get creative and fashion spaces that allow occupants to feel completely at home.”

To support specifiers and provide additional guidance on the use of Sweet Embrace^TM, Dulux has created the Dulux Trade Colour of the Year 2024 Specifier Brochure which includes mood boards that can be used to help create the perfect space across any sector. Architects, specifiers, and designers can also use the Dulux Trade Colour Schemer for colour inspiration or to create specifications for projects. They can also speak with the Dulux Commercial Colour Services team for additional advice on how to use the Colour of the Year 2024.

To download the Dulux Colour of the Year 2024 Specifier Brochure and for more information, visit www.duluxtrade.co.uk/CF24 and follow #CF24 on social media.

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Acquabella inaugurates UK warehouse to speed delivery

September 12, 2023

Acquabella, a leading shower tray brand, has announced the opening of a strategic warehouse in the UK.

Based in Worcester, and in partnership with Stop Start, the warehouse is expected to improve Acquabella’s shower tray delivery logistics to its UK and Scottish customers which means Acquabella can offer an express delivery service.

Customers will be able to enjoy fast delivery within 24 to 48 hours in most areas of the United Kingdom and a timeframe of 72 hours in Scotland.

“At Acquabella, we always strive to exceed our customers’ expectations. The opening of this warehouse in Worcester is a significant step toward that goal,” stated Roberto Heredia, UK Area Manager.

“We are committed to providing our customers not only high-quality products, but also an exceptional buying experience. With this new facility, we’ll be able to offer fast and efficient delivery.”

The new center in Worcester is a significant milestone for Acquabella and its customers in the United Kingdom. This warehouse joins two others that the brand owns, one located in Madrid and the other in Paris. The company is excited to provide a significant improvement in access to shower tray stock, thus offering a more efficient shopping experience.

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GROHE announces team updates for UK and Ireland

September 12, 2023

GROHE has announced the appointment of Seamus Kelly as its new leader covering Ireland as of July 2023, reporting to Kristine Skauge, leader, UK, LIXIL EMENA.

Seamus (pictured top) moves into the newly created leadership role covering market-specific strategy and market activation, following a 7-year career within the GROHE business. Seamus previously held the role of Account
Manager and has driven strong growth, with the new role allowing further scope to maximise growth
potential across all channels within the Irish market.

GROHE has also announced the appointment of Mark White (pictured right) as its new leader covering Trade & Retail across the UK and Ireland from August 2023. Mark joins the GROHE team following a relocation from New Zealand where he previously held senior roles within the interior sector, specifically kitchen appliances.

Within his new role, Mark will take up responsibility for the sale channels covering retailers, trade counters, merchants, and buying groups, along with leading the Retail Service Team. Mark will report to Chris Dodds, leader, commercial UK, LIXIL EMENA.

With the latest appointments, GROHE continues to strengthen its localised resource and reaffirm its go-to-market strategy across the UK and Irish markets, with customer engagement and continued product
innovation being key. With a customer-centric approach, the UK team will implement the go-to-market
strategy with GROHE’s differentiated product portfolio for all channels, providing a unique and dedicated
offering.

Commenting on his new appointment, Seamus Kelly notes, “I’m delighted to move into this new role and bring focus to the Irish market strategy. The Irish market offers plenty of exciting opportunity and I’ll continue to work closely with our customers and distributors to ensure we’re fulfilling all market potential.”

Chris Dodds shares, “I’m delighted to welcome Mark to the team and congratulate Seamus on his new
appointment. The UK and Ireland are thriving markets that offer excellent potential for us. As a team we’ll
be working towards strengthening and implementing GROHE’s unique go-to-market strategy with renewed
energy and working closely with our customers to deliver our high standards”.

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Kudos releases new Premium Collection brochure

September 11, 2023

The new Kudos Premium Collection brochure showcases some of their most luxurious enclosure products that are available to purchase from a network of Premium Collection Retailers. The brochure includes their iconic Pinnacle8 doors and enclosures and Red Dot Design award winning Ultimate10 enclosures.

The Pinnacle8 range of enclosures is characterised by a minimalist cut out finger full and easy fit wall posts with concealed fixings and features crystal clear seals, 8mm toughened safety glass throughout. All products are 2000mm high and feature hinged, sliding and centre-fold, quadrant and level access options in sizes ranging from 760mm to 1800mm. Selected models come with matt black and brushed brass profile finishes and all options can be fitted to either a shower tray or wetroom floor.

Ultimate10 is the latest introduction from Kudos. It features an award-winning double action hinge which allows the door to open 90 degrees both inward and outward, for easy use and to save space. Ultimate10 is a frameless design available in a choice of 9 profile finishes, is 1985mm tall and is compatible with the Ultimate10 wet-room panels offering a host of design configurations.

This new 54 page brochure details all available and recommended sizes and designs, fixing kit options and profile finishes along with inspiring set photography.

Kudos Shower Products Ltd has been designing and manufacturing shower products at their Cumbrian facility since 1999. Visit their website kudosshowers.co.uk, call them on 01539 564040 or email info@kudosshowers.co.uk.

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